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What makes some big game animals different is also what can make them desirable. Antler deformities — most common in white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk — occur because of injury, hormone imbalances or genetics. Antler deformities can take a variety of forms. Melted antlers look like a candle dripping with wax; club antlers can have large knobs or clubs growing off the main beam; and there are also cactus or spike antlers that have points in all directions off the base and burr.

One common reason for antler deformities is when a buck or a bull injures its pedicle — the base where the antler grows from the skull. This can happen when males fight and clash antlers.  If the pedicle is injured, the antlers that grow the next spring may have an abnormality, and it will continue growing that way from year to year when the buck or bull sheds its antlers. Antlers are also susceptible to injury while in  spring velvet, when a hair-like membrane covers new antlers. Injuries to the velvet are less permanent, and that deformity likely won’t return the next year.

Hormone imbalances can also cause atypical antler growth. Low testosterone, disease or injury to the testicles can affect hormone regulation. That can, in turn, result in antler differences. Genetics can also play a role and sometimes cause a group of related animals to have similar antler deformities. These abnormalities can return year after year.  

Antler deformities don’t typically indicate an animal is unhealthy, barring special circumstances that can be caused by disease.

 

Teal Cufaude
Saratoga wildlife biologist

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